Kiwi creators behind world’s first inline to debut new buggy platform in Germany

September 19th 2018

New Zealand juvenile products company, phil&teds, will launch a new product platform in Germany tomorrow alongside the annual trade show, Kind + Jugend. The international leading trade fair, for premium baby and toddler products, opens its doors in Cologne from 20 - 23 September, where around

The international leading trade fair, for premium baby and toddler products, opens its doors in Cologne from 20 - 23 September, where around 1,200 exhibitors from more than 50 countries are set to exhibit.

“As inventors of the world’s first inline™ single to double buggy, our original sport buggy was pioneering. We’ve gone back to these roots and reinvented the inline space once again - this time with four buggies. Consumers can expect more modes than ever needed, more room between seats - folds in a flash, turns on a penny; the latest in buggy innovation combined with modern fabrics and all new accessories.

“In New Zealand, we’re a long way away from key markets. So, we’ve got to stand out; really capture consumer attention. One way we do this is with relevant innovation. We find that consumer need - a problem to be solved - and deliver on it in both an innovative and aesthetically pleasing way.

“We understand parents need innovative solutions to make their lives easier. All our products are innovative and adapt in some way to meet a family’s growing needs. In doing so, we create new categories, not just products,” says Gower.

Last year, Kind + Jugend attracted over 25,500 visitors, from 113 countries. For the fifth consecutive year, the company will showcase its products off-site, across from the exhibition’s main hall.

“It’s about engaging with customers, both current and potential. We make the trip annually from the edge of the world here in NZ to their world in the market. Our customers like that.”

phil&teds’ trade visitors will meet within a parenting day “living room”, where visitors can experience the brand’s products in a setting just like they would, with kids, at home.

The company’s Mountain Buggy brand will again highlight how its creative direction is led by its very own customers, who feature as the faces of the brand’s campaigns.

“The way we capture our customers is so unique; not just for us in the nursery industry, but beyond as well,” says Gower.

“Every product is shot by a real Mountain Buggy parent, really using the product; we don't use professional photographers. It’s about authenticity - real parents, doing real things, with our actual product - in different terrains, seasons and landscapes across the globe.”

phil&teds and Mountain Buggy products sell in over 40 markets and more than 1,000 stores worldwide.

Last year, the company secured orders in excess of NZD $1 million during the three day event. Gower hopes the trade show will build on that as well as open new doors for the company, in the ever changing retail environment.

“While our focus is on relationship management, we’ll be working hard to get orders on all products. That's our company foundation… have fun & make money!”

Consumers and retailers around the world aren’t the only ones to appreciate the company’s designs.

In August, the phil&teds and Mountain Buggy brands received four accolades in this year’s UK Junior Design Awards, celebrating children's products with uncompromising style, design and beauty.

The platinum award for Best Pushchair Design (Compact) went to phil&teds' go™, while phil&teds’ traveller™ bassinet accessory received bronze in the category for Best Travel Product for Parents. Mountain Buggy's nano duo™ was awarded gold for Best Pushchair Design, in addition to the unirider™ receiving bronze for Best Toy Design 3-5 years.

“You do feel a little bit proud. Not only is it certification for our team and their innovative designs and ideas, but also because the judges saw value in the designs we thought would resonate with consumers.”